You & The Coronavirus- How To Prepare For The Impact In Your AC Role

 The Corona-virus is certainly impacting us globally  and is now reaching to a pandemic level. It is already impacting business' to think  differently and take precautions.

About the Coronavirus

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, NHS always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
 • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
 • Stay home when you are sick.
 • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
 • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

•If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.


So as a AC if you are in a post in a care home or if you are a freelancer like me I want to give you some tips on things you need to consider in case the country goes into lock down mode which could be for a period of 3-4 weeks and will have a serious impact on you and your residents.










Things to Consider-

Stock on arts and crafts- If for any reason we go into lock down you will probably use up your arts and crafts supplies more with your residents. So check and see what your low on  and order it in.

Restriction on outside entertainment- One of my homes I work in has already implemented this . They are not allowing any outside entertainment in for a month in order to protect their residents so if you are a freelancer this can impact your finances, I would suggest if you can provide extra activities with your other clients to make up for any shortfall do so .

Outstanding Invoices- If you are a freelancer chase up your invoices with determination because if we go into lock down accounts departments will not be operational in some parts of the care sector or it can be used as an excuse to delay paying you! So insist your outstanding invoices are paid straight away.

Home based AC's- If you are an AC based in a care home setting then you may need to prepare a in house based activity schedule that even the carers can do with the residents. If we go into lock  down or your home restricts outsiders coming in then you have to look at long term activity provision to keep your residents occupied. Also if staff are not able to get in leave activities that easy and enjoyable for other staff members to be able to do. 


Technology-  If you work with a network of homes in your group or  have sister homes  why not consider using Skype to play quizzes against each other and also for residents to chat face to face with other residents to break up the boredom of being in lock down and enabling them to see other people safely.
Use the internet for activity provision, music, google earth to look up places where people use to live.


Infection control procedure- We are all aware of our in house infection control procedures but our lovely residents are not! They blow their noses and leave the tissues all over place, they sneeze and cough without covering  their nose or mouth.  You need to step up a gear  and gently remind your residents to use tissues and throw them away in the bin, clean surfaces down and equipment used in activities with antibacterial wipes or spray, clean surfaces regularly. Wash your hands, use hand gel with your residents after activities to help keep the spread of infection to a minimum.

 Finally remember YOU- Yes, you. Your important and you have to pace yourself and  make sure you  make time for yourself and do not put unnecessary pressure and expectations on yourself.  Keep yourself as fit and healthy as you can. Do not take any risks with your own mental and physical well being and health.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared? Don't Be Alone!Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

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Until next time, keep shining.Love,Ann Marie x